Snow blowers come handy for removing snow that accumulates in your driveways and around your vehicle. Rather than using a basic shovel to remove snow, snow blowers rate higher in effectiveness to perform the job. For the seniors, snow blowers are a boon, for they do not have to invest much effort to move snow from one place to another with such devices.
However, with a variety of snow blowers to be availed, you might get confused when choosing the ones that are suitable for your loved ones. So, here we have compiled a guide to help you in taking the right decisions during your snow blower purchases.
Buying Guide: Snow Blowers for seniors
The varied types of snow throwers are discussed herein.
Different kinds of snow throwers or blowers
Single-stage snow blowers
Single-stage snow throwers are designed to remove snow with only one action. They contain plastic auger spins that break down the snow and discards it through a discharge chute. They can be operated by either gas or electricity.
Electric Single-stage Snow Throwers
Electric single-stage snow throwers measure 18 to 20 inches in length and can clear snow up to 6 inches from your driveways. Some models come with large-sized snow cutting blades that have the ability to throw snow that is as high as 20 feet.
They are deemed suitable for seniors because they are lightweight, compact, and easily maneuverable.
However, they cannot remove heavy snow because they can get bogged down by the snow.
To use them, you need to stay near a power source and a sturdy cold weather extension cord. However, the good news is that they do not emit fumes, are cost-effective, and relatively lightweight.
They are ideal for clearing snow of light to medium snowfalls only, because they do not come with strong engines. Also, they are not advised for clearing snow from steep slopes. And if you’ve to remove thick snow with them, you have to go through many rounds.
Nearly all electric snow blowers function via operators and powerful motors. Apart from that, you can operate some electric models by pushing a button and touching the handle for propelling the systems forward.
Single-stage Gas-powered Snow Throwers
For the elderly groups, the single-stage gas-engineered snow throwers are a judicious choice for clearing moderate snowfalls that go up to 9 inches from walkways. You can clean swathes of snow ranging from 20 t0 22 inches using them. Even so, they tend to shift sideways on steep slopes.
Two-stage Gas-powered snowblower
For clearing light to moderate snowfalls, you can use the two-stage gas-powered snow blowers. As their name suggests, they work in two stages. In the first stage, the steel auger pounds the snow. And, during the second stage, the snow is put into the impeller, which blows the snow out of the chute.
You can use them for removing heavy snowdrifts that are 12 inches deep.
For large-sized homes that have wide driveways measuring 80 feet in length and contain gravel-based surfaces, the two-stage snow blower works well for clearing snow that is between 24 to 26 inches high.
Three-Stage Gas-powered Snow Blower
The three-stage gas-based snow blowers are meant for commercial uses. They come with strong engines, three-blade impeller, robust construction, and serrated steel augers. As such, they are an ideal choice for owners of rural properties.
The auger of these machines is within the range of 26 to 30 inches. Plus, they contain large-sized tires that offer additional traction for rough surfaces and extra-large chutes for gathering heavy snow.
Important Considerations when buying a snow thrower for elderly persons
Here we have listed some features to consider when purchasing a snow blower for seniors.
Safety Features
When choosing a snow blower for your loved one, you must remember to keep safety in mind. This rule applies to youngsters too. So, make sure the snow blowers that you’re choosing are equipped with all the safety protocols as a precautionary measure.
In the case of electric snow blowers, they come with a safety cord lock for securely holding the extension cord in place.
Conversely, gas-engineered snow blowers offer the convenience of automatic engine shut down upon removing your hands from the controls.
Adjustable chutes
If you’re looking to have greater control over the realignment of snow, then go with snow blowers that come with adjustable chutes. The ability to cut snow depends on the chute revolutions.
While some snow blowers have chutes that can swing snow up to 200 degrees, other gas-based variants can help to eject snow that is 50 feet away.
Electric start
Electric start models are easier to use than the ones that start with rotating handles or via a manual push. The seniors may not find it easy to work gas-powered snow blowers that come with pull-cord start options, which is similar to lawnmowers. This holds true especially in very cold weather conditions. So, make sure that you get the electric-based models for your loved one.
Power Steering
The power steering option allows for easy maneuverability and more control in the case of gas-powered snow blowers. More so, they work well over uneven terrains and in tight areas.
Foldable Handles
With foldable handles, you will find the snow throwers are not only easy to operate but convenient as well. They also add to the versatility of your snow thrower. Snow blowers with foldable handles are ideal when you have to store the blower in the garage too.
Conversely, the bulky gas-based variants that come with fixed handles may pose difficulties when trying to store in the garage.
Heated Hand Grips
Cleaning snow is never easy, for you have to hold the handle securely. Also, in rough weather conditions, removing snow can be hard. However, snow blowers that have comfortable hand grips can make the snow-clearing expeditions easy for you. Of course, you have the option of weather-resistant mittens and gloves too. Nevertheless, the heated handgrips offer the required warmth during icy conditions.
LED Headlights
To clear snow from your driveways during the early morning or late evening hours (when the sun is not shining), you require headlights with your snow blower. So ensure to go with the LED-equipped ones. Also, the LED lights add to the versatility of your snow blower while offering more illumination.
Maneuverability
Gas-powered snowblowers weigh around 150 pounds, which makes them difficult to maneuver. On the other hand, electric-based ones weight around 35 pounds, and thus, are easier to maneuver.
So, for seniors, the electric-powered ones are the general recommendation for they are relatively lightweight and easily maneuverable. More so, you can handle, move, and store them with ease because of their easy maneuverability features.
Maintenance
Maintenance makes for an important consideration when choosing among electric or gas snow blowers too. Now, as compared to the gas-based models, the electric-powered models are easier to maintain.
To maintain gas-engineered variants, you have to perform several tasks. These include changing oil, mixing gases, draining the gas in the spring, rearranging movable parts, cleaning up the mechanical parts, dissecting the engine, among others.
Alternatively, as part of the maintenance efforts of the electric snow blowers, you only have to charge the batteries at home or in the garage. They come with chargers that have to be plugged into wall sockets to charge the devices. With a fully-charged battery, you can operate the snow blower for clearing the snow seamlessly.
Storage
Gas-powered snow blowers are not easy to store because they are large in size. Also, they take up a lot of storage room. Plus, they smell like gas, so anywhere you store them tends to smell like gas fumes.
But, with electric snow blowers, you can save on space, for they are compact in size. Moreover, you do away with the gas smells and fumes that are the feature of gas-engineered models. Additionally, they can safely be tucked in your closer which may not be the case with the gas-powered ones.
